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Firmware Updates

Meshtastic firmware updates bring new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements. Updating is straightforward, but it is worth understanding when and how to do it safely.

When to update​

Update when you have time to test afterward. Do not update the night before a trip or in the field. Give yourself at least a day to verify everything works correctly after an update.

Update when your team can coordinate. Meshtastic devices communicate best when they run the same firmware version. If one person updates and others do not, some features may not work correctly between devices.

Do not update just because a new version is available. If your devices are working well, there is no rush. Read the release notes first and decide if the update adds something you need.

Before you update​

  1. Note your current settings. Take screenshots of your radio configuration, channel settings, and device name. Some updates may reset settings to defaults.
  2. Charge your device fully. A firmware update should not be interrupted by a dead battery.
  3. Read the release notes. Check the Meshtastic releases page for what changed.
  4. Make sure you have the right firmware file for your specific device model and region.
Never update in the field

A firmware update can temporarily make your device unusable if something goes wrong. Always update at home where you have time, tools, and internet access to troubleshoot.

How to update​

The update process depends on your device type. For most devices:

  1. Connect your device to your computer via USB or use the Meshtastic web flasher
  2. Visit the Meshtastic web flasher
  3. Select your device type
  4. Select the latest stable firmware version
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions

For the SenseCAP T1000-E, firmware updates are typically done via the SenseCAP app or SenseCAP web flasher. Check the SenseCAP documentation for specific instructions.

After updating​

  1. Verify the region setting. Confirm the device is still set to Japan (JP) for the 920 MHz band.
  2. Check your channels. Make sure your private channels are still configured.
  3. Check your device name. Verify your long name and short name are still set.
  4. Test with a team member. Send a test message to confirm communication works.

Team update strategy​

If your team has multiple devices, coordinate updates:

  1. Pick a time when everyone can update together (a weekend, a meeting)
  2. Update all devices to the same version on the same day
  3. Test together after updating to confirm everything works
  4. Document the version number so everyone knows what they are running

This avoids situations where half the team is on one version and half on another, which can cause unexpected behavior.